STYX’S TOMMY SHAW RELEASES COVER OF LED ZEPPELIN’S “GOING TO CALIFORNIA” EXCLUSIVELY TO STREAMING SERVICES
During these crazy and surreal times, music is the grand healer. While bands can’t be on tour right now bringing music to their fans directly, Styx singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw recognizes the continuing vital and soothing need for new music by releasing a previously unreleased acoustic version of the Led Zeppelin classic, Going to California via Styx’s label, Alpha Dog 2T, Inc. It will be available for streaming only on all digital platforms, including Spotify, starting today.
While it was recorded many years ago, Shaw thought it was the perfect time to pull it out of the vault for fans to enjoy.
As he explains:
“After touring behind two Shaw-Blades albums, we discussed a second album of covers and actually recorded a few more, but we never officially set a project into motion. Styx would soon get back together and hit the road with the Return to Paradise tour. Will Evankovich and I decided to cut Going to California and did it at my home studio in the Hollywood Hills.
We recently gave it a listen and when Styx manager Charlie Brusco suggested we release it now to help fill the musical void that the lockdown had created, it suddenly had a new purpose. We had it mastered here in Nashville and created some artwork and got it placed on all the streaming platforms. Robert Plant’s original vocal is stellar, but I tried to make it my own while honoring its essence. I hope you enjoy it!
Love you all,Tommy”
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I don’t begrudge anyone for singing someone else’s song. I enjoy hearing their interpretation. I find this version better than the original.
LOL!!! Better than the original?? I needed a good laugh this morning!
Sorry, Myk, I don’t usually respond to someone’s opinion like that, no matter how much I disagree with it, like in this case, I had a really rough night, no excuse, but I apologize for being so condescending. I’ve never been ok with an artist (no matter who it is, even if it’s 1 of my faves) covering other artists’ songs, with a few exceptions here and there, but in general, I’m not of fan of covers. – I didn’t even like it when Zeppelin did it! 😉
It’s been said, if you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all. With that out of the way and for the sake of posting something, the Going to California cover was ok but unnecessary.
Regarding the Dennis DeYoung album 26 East however, it is quite allright & worth a few listens.
Music is art and it’s beauty is in the eye or ear of the beholder – this was pretty damn good , so I can see and understand a lot of people liking this better than the original, I’m not one of them , but it’s good , I know a lot of people who don’t like Led Zeppelin at all , don’t like plants voice …again I’m not one of them – now I do have to say I have heard some pretty amazing covers over the years example: hearts live cover / tribute of stairway , so I’m always good with artists covering tunes –
I don`t like it . Only a handful of people can pull of Bobs vocals and unfortunately Tommys not one ,lol.
Ann Wilson can. I also just obtained Jack Russells acoustic album and he does a rendition of babe im gonna leave you and holy $hit he absolutely kills it, I highly recommend that album his voice is still crazy awesome.
I mentioned Ann Wilson 3 days ago? And Sammy Hagar, they’re 2 of the few that can do Plant justice. I’ll have to check out Russell.
I’d look into Pat Monahan of Train – he idolized Plant and does a good job on vocals